I’ve recently taken note of a couple of changing demographics on our campus — and I’m guessing I’m not alone.

This first is this: we’re attracting a different kind of student.

Why?

In large part due to the economy.

A lot of students are having to reconsider their college options — specifically in terms of the institution’s per term cost, their parent’s ability (and willingness) to provide financial assistance of any kind, as well as the potential financial aid package they might be able to receive — and as a result are likely landing at a school that is less expensive than the one they might have chosen just four years ago.

That being the case, there could be a number of students arriving at our schools by “default” — and it’s not that they’re not happy to be there, but that we weren’t their first choice (or likely even in same league with the school[s] they might have originally wanted to attend). All of this means that we might have students coming to our campuses for a variety of reasons other than what has drawn our students in the past.

Are you seeing a shift in the kinds of majors that students are choosing?

Are there any noticeable shifts in interests, attire or activities?

It all could be related!

This first trend ties directly in to the second trend I’m observing:  students have a renewed interest in learning.

For much of my time in college ministry I’ve seen a decline in the levels of seriousness with which most students approach their studies. Increasingly it has seemed that students have seen college as a necessary “hoop” to jump through before they can step into that high-paying first job and begin living the “American Dream.” This kind of mindset, coupled with realities of emerging adulthood (delayed adulthood or prolonged adolescence), students have increasingly approached their college years with many of the same attitudes, habits and levels of interests and effort as they did their high school years.

However, students seemed to be taking notice of the hurting economy and the dreadful job market that has resulted. College grads no longer enjoy the “guarantees” of a great job (or any job for that matter) upon the completion of their degree. As a result, it would seem, I see a growing number of students “getting into” their studies. Learning for the sake of learning. A recognition that these classes they’re paying for should not be put to waste. That there’s good stuff to be learned (even in their gen. ed. classes!).

Have you noticed either of these two trends on your campus over the course of the past couple of years?

If so, have you considered how these changes might be influencing your approach to ministry with students?

Please take a moment to share your thoughts in the comment section below!